Tympanometry and impedance: what the terms mean.
Tympanometry examines aspects of middle-ear function. A clinician may use it alongside hearing thresholds and other findings; it is not the same test as pure tone audiometry.
What happens during tympanometry?
A probe is placed in the ear canal and the instrument varies pressure while assessing the middle ear’s response to sound. The test produces a tympanogram for the clinician to interpret.
What can the report contain?
A tympanometry report can record measured middle-ear pressure, compliance or admittance, ear canal volume and the trace. The instrument and clinician determine which measurements are appropriate for the assessment.
Is tympanometry the same as impedance testing?
Tympanometry is commonly part of an acoustic immittance or impedance assessment. A broader assessment may include acoustic reflex measurements. Do not assume that one tympanogram contains every reflex result or gives a complete diagnosis.
How is it different from PTA?
PTA measures hearing responses to tones at different pitches and levels. Tympanometry examines aspects of middle-ear function. Clinicians use the findings together when appropriate.
How AudSpeX supports the report
The tympanometry workspace records clinician-entered measurements and creates a clinic-branded report. A phone or browser does not replace the physical tympanometer. For appointments, see public clinic contact information.
Further information
General educational information, not an individual diagnosis. See ASHA’s public guide to hearing tests. Ask the clinician to explain what your own results mean.